A. Cromwell v. A. Knudsen

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IN THE SUPREME COURT OF tHt^SATE OF MONTANA

OP 26-0292

FILED AUDREY S. CROMWELL, in her official

capacity as GALLATIN COUNTY ATTORNEY, MAY 0 5 2026 Bowen Greenwood

Clerk of Supreme Court Wtate of MontanePetitioner,

ORDERV.

AUSTIN MILES KNUDSEN, in his official

capacity as MONTANA ATTORNEY GENERAL,

Respondent.

Petitioner Audrey S. Cromwell, in her official capacity as Gallatin County Attorney,

seeks declaratory judgment on original jurisdiction under M. R. App. P. 14(4). Cromwell

asserts she is entitled to declaratory judgment that declares Montana counties may not

lawfully disseminate Confidential Criminal Justice Information (CCJI) to Immigration and

Customs Enforcement (ICE) upon receiving non-criminal civil or administrative requests

without a court order. Cromwell further requests this Court issue an Order terminating the

Attorney General’s exercise of supervisory control over the Gallatin County Attorney’s

Office. Cromwell alleges urgent and emergent circumstances necessitate this Court’s

exercise of original jurisdiction.

Having reviewed the Petition, this Court deems it appropriate to obtain a summary

response. Therefore, in accordance with M. R. App. P. 14(7),

IT IS ORDERED that Respondent Austin Miles Knudsen, in his official capacity as

Montana Attorney General, is granted until the close of business on Thursday, May 14,

2026, to prepare, file, and serve a response(s) to the petition for declaratory judgment on

original jurisdiction.

The Clerk is directed to provide notice of this Order to counsel for all parties.

05/05/2026

Case Number: OP 26-0292